Clouds gathered in the sky over Venosa, as if weeping for what was to come. The dead city groaned in silence, and the wind echoed through the deserted alleys like the voices of souls without rest.
In one of the deep bunkers, Franco sat amidst a circle of new and old allies. His face was pale but resolute, his eyes expressing confusion and defiance. Beside him sat Marco, sharpening one of his daggers with a smirk.
Marco (sarcastically, looking at Franco):
"My friend, you're the only one who can lose everything... and then decide to save the world while half dead."
Franco (in a calm tone):
"I didn't choose this war... but I won't run from it either."
From around the corner, Irina approached, carrying a glowing digital map, and tapped the table with a small stick.
Irina:
"I found the location of Zacrota's next base. Protected by hundreds of robots and an impenetrable jamming system."
Colombo (suddenly emerging from the darkness):
"Anything is hackable, Irina... It just takes a mad mind... or a genius like me."
Franco (smiling):
"I didn't think you'd be back so soon, Columbo."
Colombo (opening his bag full of strange devices):
"I left because I was searching for the heart of the beast... and I came back because I found it."
Everyone listened, as if the pulse of the place had shifted. Columbo pulled out a small device that showed a hologram of Zacrota's nervous system.
Colombo:
"This is the real control center. Not in any city... but under the sea, inside an artificial island that doesn't appear on any map."
Lucchini (emerging from the shadows, his hand on his weapon):
"I heard that whoever goes in there... doesn't come out."
Marco (sarcastically):
"Nice. Then we'll be the first to break the base."
Franco (his eyes lit up with determination):
"It's time... the final assault."
But before any of them could take a step, an alarm sounded in the headquarters. Lights flashed, doors rattled.
Irina (screaming):
"They found us!"
The walls exploded, and waves of robots entered, their eyes flashing red. The fight raged, and each member of the team fought as if protecting their last life.
Colombo (pressing a detonator):
"I only need 30 seconds!"
Lucchini (running around, shooting):
"I'll give you 40, but if you die... I'll come back to kill your ghost."
Marco (laughing in the middle of the fight):
"Oh, how I've missed this madness!"
Franco was fighting with unprecedented ferocity. With each blow, memories flooded back: his father, his mother, his no longer existing home... and his promise that he would end this chaos, no matter the cost.
Then suddenly, an explosion erupted in the sky, a huge hatch opened in the roof of the bunker, and a huge Zacrota aircraft descended, piloted by a unique robot with blue eyes unlike any other machine.
Robot (in a programmed human voice):
"Target: Franco Pato. Surrender or annihilate."
Franco (advancing steadily):
"I chose the path long ago... and I won't retreat."
Colombo (shouting):
"Time's up, tunnel now!"
The team escaped through a secret tunnel, while Marco and Lucchini covered the retreat with calculated explosions. At one point, Franco turned around and saw the shadow of the aircraft explode in a blue glow, like a Zacrota announcement: We're coming.
But Franco wasn't afraid. He was ready for the confrontation.
Franco (whispering):
"Let the final act begin."